Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB) Practice Exam

What rule applies to the use of confidential informants in creating probable cause?

1. The identity of the informant must always be disclosed.

2. The informant can remain anonymous if they did not witness the crime.

3. The informant must testify in all cases regardless.

4. The informant's identity is protected if it relates to their safety.

The correct answer is: The informant can remain anonymous if they did not witness the crime.

The use of confidential informants in law enforcement plays a pivotal role in establishing probable cause, especially in drug-related and organized crime investigations. In many cases, the identity of the informant can be protected, particularly if they did not witness the crime directly but provided information that leads to further investigation. This stems from the idea that protecting an informant's anonymity encourages cooperation without the fear of retaliation or exposure. In scenarios where the informant's identity is tied to the successful development of the case, law enforcement officials might not need to disclose the informant’s identity, particularly if it does not compromise the integrity of the investigation. This also aligns with legal precedents that prioritize the safety of informants and the need for discretion in investigations. The other options either incorrectly assert that an informant's identity must always be disclosed, that they must testify in all situations, or that the informant can remain anonymous solely based on whether they witnessed a crime, which does not accurately reflect the legal principles surrounding informant usage and protection in Illinois law.